FODO tackles manpower supply

Mr Swain is chairman of Rayner and Keeler and is a dispensing optician by training. He has been a member of FODO Council for three years, and is chairman of FODOÕs working party on Local Optometric Committees.
Brian Carroll (below left), director of finance of Boots Opticians, will serve as FODO chairman for a third year, Brian Collison, chairman of TH Collison Opticians, remains as honorary treasurer, and John Thorpe as vice-president.
In a further change, optometrist Paul Carroll takes the chair of FODOÕs education and professional services committee. He is professional services director of Specsavers Opticians and is a partner in Southport Specsavers.
Commenting, Brian Carroll said: ÔThis is a strong and representative team of officers. These are uncertain times and FODO will need to remain very focused if we are to succeed in the many challenges, including VAT, that face optics.
ÔWe are led by a team of strong and capable individuals, who come from a range of businesses of differing sizes and styles. We regard that as being an enormous strength.Õ
He added that Arthur Swain brought a wealth of experience as a qualified DO, and as chairman of a major group, covering optics from a professional, retail and a manufacturing viewpoint.
ÔIn taking over from Brian Keefe as chairman of our education and professional services committee, Paul Carroll will take forward our work on issues that are vital to all optical businesses Ð optometric manpower supply, CET and the content of training. He and Arthur are welcome new additions to our team.Õ